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Scott Parker penning a new chapter with twist in tail

Middlesbrough 1 West Ham 2

SCOTT PARKER never really made it up the road at Newcastle, but his first return to the northeast since a summer move back home to London brought a telling reminder of the talent that might have flourished.

Under Alan Curbishley at Charlton, Parker had the makings of a top central midfield player, but the lure of a big-money move to Chelsea followed by two unspectacular seasons at an ever-changing St James' Park, where he had been captain, stalled his progress.

Even his reunion with Curbishley at West Ham was initially blighted by injury, but his first goal for the club, superbly taken in the final minute, hinted at the resumption of a promising career. Now 27, the England international, with three caps behind him, is perhaps starting his final chance to make a lasting impression on the Premier League, and he certainly left his mark at the Riverside Stadium.